The Centre for Social Research (CSR) recently convened a two-day Research Agenda Workshop in Mulanje to review its research priorities and strengthen its contribution to addressing Malawi’s development challenges. The workshop brought together research fellows and staff to assess existing thematic areas and explore a shift from discipline-based research toward a transdisciplinary, problem-focused approach.

Participants discussed organising future research around pressing societal challenges rather than academic disciplines, while fostering collaboration with government, communities, and other stakeholders. The workshop is expected to produce a revised set of research themes, assign leadership roles, and ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, and disability are integrated across all research programmes.

CSR officials noted that the new approach will better align the Centre’s work with Malawi’s development priorities, continental agendas, and emerging global challenges. They emphasized that the shift will enhance the relevance and impact of CSR research while creating greater opportunities for research uptake, partnerships, and funding.